A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI brings diesel to the family in a big way. This crossover SUV delivers seamless performance in a vehicle that obviously designed for the open road rather than any trails or other types of off-road exploration – despite a selection on the dial for off-road mode.

Key Features

The eight-speed transmission combines perfectly with the turbo-diesel V6, delivering exceptional response and an all-around fast takeoff – without any noticeable downshifting. The opulent leather interior and plenty of standard features also grab the attention, letting you know that the VW has finally made it to the luxury SUV class. The fuel economy, while not the best-in-class still provides a welcome change from the gas-guzzling crossovers available that leave you spending more time at the pump. With this diesel, you’ll finally be able to spend more time on the road enjoying your vehicle and the ride.

Changes for 2012

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI has not seen any significant changes for the 2012 model year, instead relying on its recently introduced design in a fine way.

What We Like

With a great engine, fuel economy that could deliver up to 700 miles per fill up and that ultra-responsive transmission, there’s plenty to like about this diesel SUV. The Touareg handles well for being a midsize crossover, something that isn’t always easy to find in this particular class. The fast diesel response and exceptional handling makes for a fun, enjoyable ride when hitting the highway or the city streets. And with all that power from the engine, you won’t even notice you’re driving such a heavy vehicle!

What Concerns Us

If you’re looking for plenty of cargo space or the ability to carry more than five people, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI won’t be a good fit for your needs. Additionally, if you plan on taking numerous adventures away from highway or city streets, keep in mind that the off-road capabilities are certainly lacking compared to other options available.

Available Models

The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI is available in one model:

3.0-liter V6 Turbodiesel

225 horsepower @ 3,500-4,000 rpm

406 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,250 rpm

City/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg

Major Recalls

There have been no major recalls issued for the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg TDI.

Common Issues

The only complaints made about this vehicle is due to the potential failure of the high-pressure fuel pump.

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